Manuel Jose attributed Ahli's goalless draw against Arab Contractors on Monday to the absence of his star players through long-term injuries. The Portuguese manager said that injury to key-players like Mohamed Abou-Treika and Mohamed Barakat hurt Ahli, especially in terms of offense. Ahli's players were unable to find the net against a stern Contractors side that held on for the draw in the second round of Egyptian league action. Yet, Jose insisted his team was active on goal, noting that Islam Al-Shater, Mohamed Shawki and Rami Rabie had scoring opportunities.
He refused to comment on Flavio's strike that was disallowed for an offside, even though television replays showed otherwise. The Ahli manager insisted this year's league title race will not be a walk in the park given the long term injuries that his team is suffering from. Meanwhile, Contractors coach Taha Basri said he was satisfied with the result, and considered it a great achievement to play with the title holders.
